Smart RP draws Iran, Lebanon in Champions Cup

MANILA, Philippines - The Smart Gilas Team of the Philippines will have to contend with highly formidable teams from Iran and Lebanon in the elimination round of the 20th FIBA Asia Champions Cup set May 12-20 in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Smart Gilas found itself bracketed with Mahram of Iran, Al Riyadi Beirut of Lebanon, Sangmoo of Korea and Al Qadsia of Kuwait in Group A after the recent draw.

Drawn in Group B are Al Arabi of Qatar, Wal Wasl of United Arab Emirates, Zain of Jordan, Young Cagers of India and the host’s Satria Muda.

Mahram, the top team in the West Asian Basketball Association (WABA) qualifiers, seeks a third straight title for Iran in the annual Asian inter-club tourney.

The Iranians are reinforced by Spanish small forward Oscar Yebra and American center Priest Lauderdale.

Al Riyadi Beirut is also said to be a powerhouse team, considered a WABA giant like Mahram.

Smart Gilas, the RP developmental pool being trained by Serbian coach Rajko Toroman, needs to finish first or second in the group to make it to the cross-over semifinal round.

Toroman’s team is currently training in Las Vegas.

Iran won the last two Asian Champions Cup editions, playing under the banner of Saba Battery.

The Iranians themselves were the winners of last FIBA Asia men’s championship, gaining a ticket to the 2008 Olympics under the tutelage of Toroman.

“Our preparation for the Champions Cup began long back, as soon as we won the Iranian Super League Championship for 2007-08,” Mahram manager Hamid Reza Samadzade was quoted as saying in an internet report.

“The (FIBA Asia) Champions Cup is one of the toughest tournaments in our region. We hope to continue where Saba has left,” Samdzade said.

“Our confidence comes from the fact that the Iranian Super League is one of the most competitive leagues in Asia,” he added.

 The team has been playing well in the last two years to emerge as the champions. We hope we can carry forward the momentum.”